Karisa Wilczynski

Karisa Wilczynski

Karisa Wilczynski is a junior from Cary, Ill. She is a health science major with an emphasis in rehabilitation science. She plans to pursue a degree in occupational therapy in graduate school. She also hopes to improve the lives of those with disabilities by not only advancing their physical and mental abilities but also their societal rights.

“I would tell freshmen to take chances and go outside your comfort zone,” Karisa says. “I applied for an internship outside my area of focus and found out I really enjoyed the work that I did. Join clubs and organizations that interest you the slightest bit too because you will learn something new, make new friends and connections.”

In addition to serving as a School of Health Professions student ambassador, Karisa works for MidwayUSA in Columbia, has volunteered weekly at Adult Day Connection since her freshmen year and is a site leader for Mizzou Alternative Breaks.

When did you know Mizzou was “the one”?

I knew Mizzou was the one after my first visit with my dad and he even said he was ready to sign himself up. The campus was the perfect fit for me being not too big but not too small, and full of thousands of opportunities.

What’s your favorite place to eat in CoMo?

Pickleman’s is by far my favorite place to eat in CoMo because they have my three favorite foods: sandwiches, pizza and pickles.

Why should students choose Mizzou?

Mizzou’s campus makes you feel like you are at home, yet allows you to have the “college town feel.” The students and faculty are all incredibly passionate about our tiger pride.